Defense Logistics Agency 

COVID-19 Safety Plan

May 2021
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

2

Table of Contents

 I. Introduction....................................................................................................... 3

II. DLA COVID-19 Coordination Team ........................................................................ 4

III. Safety Principles................................................................................................ 5

Health and Safety ................................................................................................... 5

Workplace Operations.............................................................................................. 5

IV. Health and Safety .............................................................................................. 6

A. Telework ...................................................................................................... 6

B. Face Masks ................................................................................................... 7

C. Testing ........................................................................................................ 7

D. Case Investigation......................................................................................... 8

E. Official Government Travel.............................................................................. 9

F. Personal Travel ............................................................................................. 9

G. Symptom Monitoring.................................................................................... 10

H. Quarantine and Isolation .............................................................................. 11

I. Confidentiality and Privacy ............................................................................ 13

V. Workplace Operations........................................................................................ 14

A. Occupancy.................................................................................................. 14

B. Employee Cohorts ........................................................................................ 18

C. Physical Distancing ...................................................................................... 21

D. Environmental Cleaning................................................................................ 22

E. Hygiene Sanitization .................................................................................... 22

F. Ventilation and Air Filtration.......................................................................... 23

G. Visitors ...................................................................................................... 23

H. Elevators.................................................................................................... 24

I. Shared Spaces ............................................................................................ 24

VII. Conclusion.................................................................................................... 26

Appendix 1 .......................................................................................................... 27
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

3

I. Introduction

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) COVID-19 Safety Plan was developed to 

protect DLA employees, contractors, other building occupants, and visitors

to DLA facilities and to help stop the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 

(COVID-19) pandemic. This plan supersedes the DLA Reconstitution

Guidance and Framework, dated May 20, 2020. This plan consists of safety 

principles implemented DLA-wide at all official worksites in the Continental 

U.S. (CONUS) and applies to all on-duty or onsite DLA employees, onsite

federal contractors, and any other person in DLA space. For DLA employees 

overseas, follow the Combatant Command (COCOM), installation, or host 

nation guidance. Where DLA organizations are tenants, host guidance takes 

precedence when more stringent.

Pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 13991 (86 FR 7045) Protecting the Federal

Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, issued on January 20, 2021, the

policy of the U.S. Government is “to halt the spread of COVID-19 by relying

on the best available data and science-based public health measures,”

including taking a science-based and data-driven approach to safety in

federal workplaces. EO 13991 is part of the National Strategy for the

COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness. The health and safety of

the Federal workforce is the highest priority of the Administration and the 

Department of Defense (DoD). DLA is committed to protecting individuals 

in its facilities from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, while preserving 

the Agency’s ability to complete its mission.

The President established a Safer Federal Workforce Task Force to assist

federal agencies with implementing safety plans relative to health, safety,

and workplace operations. The DoD participates in the Task Force and 

established a DoD COVID-19 Task Force. This plan will be updated as the 

Safer Federal Workforce Task Force and the DoD Task Force issue new 

guidance to the DLA COVID-19 Coordination Team.
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

4

II. DLA COVID-19 Coordination Team

The DLA COVID-19 Coordination Team (CCT) includes representatives from the 

following DLA organizations:

a) DLA Human Resources (J1) Director (CCT Chair)

b) DLA Safety and Occupational Health (SOH)

c) DLA Installation Management (DM)

d) DLA General Counsel (DG)

e) Various J1 representatives include the Customer Account Managers (CAM) 

providing HR support to the Major Subordinate Commands (MSC) and J 

Codes.

The DLA CCT conducts weekly meetings to establish, implement, and monitor

DLA’s compliance with:

a) implementing safety protocols for physical space and face mask 

requirements;

b) working with DLA Commanders and Directors to make determinations on

those required to report onsite and those teleworking;

c) responding to and mitigating the impact of COVID-19;

d) providing reconstitution notification protocols; and

e) working with DLA Commanders and Directors to ensure DLA facilities and 

installations do not exceed capacity limitations.

DLA leadership, Installation Management staff, and supervisors monitor 

DLA facility COVID-19 site-specific conditions daily to remain agile and 

monitor the routine facility cleaning, which includes Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended cleaning and disinfection when 

necessary. DLA leadership implements this guidance on a facility-by-facility 

basis and coordinates with hosts where DLA is a tenant.
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

5

III. Safety Principles

In responding to and mitigating the impact of COVID-19, workforce safety and 

health remain DLA’s number one priority. The DLA CCT has adopted the 

Government-wide Safer Workforce Task Force and DoD COVID-19 Task Force

model safety principles, which are consistent with current CDC guidance, and has 

incorporated those principles into this plan.

Health and Safety

• Telework

• Face Masks

• COVID-19 Testing

• Case Investigations

• Travel Protocols

• Symptom Monitoring

• Quarantine and Isolation

Workplace Operations

• Occupancy

• Physical Distancing

• Environmental Cleaning

• Hygiene Sanitization

• Ventilation and Air Filtration

• Visitors

• Elevators
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

6

IV. Health and Safety

A. Telework

While many of DLA’s worksites remain open, every effort is made to 

maximize eligible employees' use of approved telework locations during 

widespread high community transmission, unless it is physically impossible 

or poses a threat to critical national security interests.

Telework is generally a voluntary work option. However, per Office of 

Management and Budget (OMB) guidance, federal employees should make 

every effort to telework if eligible to do so. 

Employees currently teleworking full-time under DLA’s maximum telework 

posture during the COVID-19 pandemic will generally be given up to 14 

days advance notice before they are required to return to work onsite at 

DLA duty locations based on mission requirements. Local bargaining 

agreements take precedence over this guidance to determine employee 

advance notice for onsite return. Managers retain the ability to immediately 

recall members of the workforce to meet mission-essential requirements.

Supervisors must ensure employees complete the required, “Returning DLA 

to the Worksite During the COVID-19 Pandemic” training course in the 

Learning Management System (LMS) before or immediately upon return to 

the worksite. Supervisors must brief employees using the Deliberate Risk 

Assessment Worksheet (DD Form 2977) discussing operational hazards and 

control measures to include COVID-19 requirements prior to employees 

returning to the physical workplace.

DLA organizations that have onsite responsibilities currently not suitable for 

telework and exceed the health protection condition (HPCON) workplace 

capacity limits will report those work activities to the DLA CCT (see 

Workplace Operations, Occupancy section). Organizations are required to

work with their J1 CAM to notify the DLA CCT when they require additional

staff to work onsite to implement risk mitigation steps to ensure the work 
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

7

can be done safely and to ensure occupancy level compliance.

B. Face Masks

Pursuant to the President’s Executive Order (EO) on Protecting the Federal

Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, effective January 20, 2021, and 

Force Health Protection Guidance (Supplement 17) – DoD Guidance for the 

Use of Masks, Personal Protective Equipment, and Non-Pharmaceutical 

Interventions During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic, dated March 

17, 2021, onsite DLA employees, contractors, and visitors must wear a face 

mask that consistently covers the nose and mouth, and comports with any

current CDC and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

guidance. 

Supervisors must ensure masks are worn in the workplace and do not 

include symbols or sayings that might be considered offensive to other 

employees. Fully vaccinated personnel are still required to wear masks in 

DLA worksites. Signs communicating this requirement must be placed 

conspicuously at the entrance to every DLA facility and in common spaces. 

If an employee is unable to comply with this requirement due to an existing 

medical condition, the individual should submit a request for information

regarding the reasonable accommodation process from his/her supervisor.

Employees should visit the CDC website to obtain more information on the 

different types of recommended masks, how to properly wear masks, how 

to store and clean masks, and other considerations related to masks.

C. Testing

As required in the Executive Order, DLA understands that the CDC is developing a 

testing plan for the federal workforce and that the CDC will submit that plan to the 

DoD COVID-19 Task Force. When the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force and DoD 

COVID-19 Task Force notifies agencies of the CDC’s testing plan, this plan will be 

updated to reflect the new guidance. Currently, employees are encouraged to 

follow the DoD guidance memo, “Force Health Protection Guidance (Supplement 

15) Revision 1 - Department of Defense Guidance for Coronavirus Disease 2019 
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

8

Laboratory Testing,” dated March 15, 2021. As a reminder, employees who have

been or are scheduled to be onsite should contact their supervisors for guidance if

they believe they may have been exposed within the timeframe designated by the 

CDC.

D. Case Investigation

When DLA receives a report of an incident of COVID-19 in a facility, the

following procedures must be implemented:

a) DLA employees who tested positive for COVID-19, were exposed to 

an individual who tested positive for COVID-19, who suspect they 

have COVID-19, or who were possibly exposed to COVID-19, report

the situation to their supervisor.

b) The supervisor submits DD Form 3112, "Personnel Accountability and 

Assessment Notification for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) 

Exposure," to J1 and notifies the local Safety and Occupational 

Health (SOH) staff regardless of whether the employee has reported 

to and been present at a DLA facility. 

c) The local SOH staff and supervisor identify any individuals with whom 

the employee came in close contact while at DLA facilities, as defined 

by the CDC (within 6 feet for a cumulative of 15 minutes or more

with or without a mask), as well as any building areas the employee 

may have visited. SOH reports the areas to Installation Management

to sanitize the impacted areas. After each reported incident at any 

DLA-managed facility, the area must be cleaned using EPA-approved

and recommended chemicals, per the CDC guidelines. If more than 3 

days have passed since the person who is sick or diagnosed with 

COVID-19 has been in the space, no additional cleaning, beyond 

regular cleaning practices, is needed.

d) The SOH staff and supervisor ensure timely notifications, as relevant 

and appropriate, to employees and building occupants once a case of

COVID-19 (either due to specific symptoms or positive test) has been 
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

9

reported, consistent with federal privacy and confidentiality

regulations and laws. SOH reminds the supervisor to protect 

information about individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and 

those identified as having been exposed to that individual and

provide that information only to those who need to know within DLA. 

SOH also notifies supervisors with applicable quarantine 

requirements (see Quarantine section) and the appropriate actions to 

take. 

e) As appropriate, a DLA official discloses COVID-19 information to 

local public health officials. If an outbreak occurs within a specific

building or work setting, DLA leadership and SOH decide the 

appropriate next steps in consultation with local public health 

officials.

E. Official Government Travel

Employees with mission-critical travel should follow the DoD guidance memo, 

Update to Conditions-based Approach to Coronavirus Disease 2019 Personnel 

Movement and Travel Restrictions dated March 15, 2021; DoD memo, 

Updated Travel and Foreign Visitor Guidance, dated April 7, 2021; and Force 

Health Protection Guidance (Supplement 20) – DoD Guidance for Personnel 

Traveling During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic, dated April 12, 

2021, to receive approval and determine the appropriate quarantine/

restriction of movement (ROM) requirements and timeframes, as well as 

telework and other leave options prior to coming on-site.

Supervisors conduct risk assessments and ensure work-related travel 

COVID-19 hazards and control measures are included in their operational DD 

Form 2977. Once risk is accepted at the appropriate level, supervisors must 

brief employees using the completed form.

F. Personal Travel

Employees engaging in personal travel are encouraged to carefully assess travel

risk prior to travel, wear a mask during all portions of a trip, maintain physical 
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

10

distance from non-household members, maintain good hand hygiene by regularly 

washing hands with soap and water, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap

and water are not available, get tested, and stay home after higher-risk travel 

before returning to the workplace. 

Employees traveling personally to an area with sustained or widespread community 

transmission must receive a travel-threat briefing from their local Antiterrorism 

Officer (ATO). Employees with a top secret/sensitive compartmented information 

(TS/SCI) clearance have additional requirements for travel and should consult their 

local security officer. 

Employees should carefully review the CDC and Department of State’s websites for 

travel alerts and warnings for both domestic and international travel before 

deciding to undertake personal travel and follow CDC precaution instructions. The 

State Department’s site also has information on embassies and consulates; entry, 

exit, and visa requirements; local laws and special circumstances; and health and 

medical facilities for every country.

Employees who have onsite work requirements and responsibilities and will be 

taking leave to travel for personal reasons should contact their supervisor prior to 

leaving and returning to discuss telework and other leave options, as they may 

need to self-quarantine prior to coming onsite. For further guidance, review Force 

Health Protection Guidance (Supplement 20) – DoD Guidance for Personnel 

Traveling During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic, dated April 12, 2021.

G. Symptom Monitoring

If DLA employees, contractors, building occupants, or visitors are not feeling

well, they cannot enter DLA facilities. Employees need to conduct a selfevaluation check before they enter a DLA facility. COVID-19 pre-screening

questions will be posted at the main entrances of DLA facilities. Individuals 

are required to review questions on the pre-screening sign before entering a 

DLA facility. If they answer “Yes” to any of the questions, they are not

authorized to enter the building and should contact their supervisor to 

discuss leave options. Employees should monitor the symptom list on the
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

11

CDC website.

Any employees working at a DLA facility who develop any symptoms

consistent with COVID-19 during the workday must immediately isolate,

notify his/her supervisor and request leave, and promptly leave the

workplace. Supervisors should advise the employee to:

a) go home prepared to telework if applicable should they need to selfisolate/quarantine and feel well enough to work;

b) contact their supervisor with an update by the next workday;

c) work with their supervisor to adopt recommendations from their

health care provider if applicable; and

d) take appropriate leave and return to work measures. Supervisors

should contact J1 for leave options in the event an employee is 

asymptomatic, in an isolation/quarantine situation, not able to

telework, or refuses to leave the workplace.

H. Quarantine and Isolation

Any individual with a laboratory confirmed, clinically diagnosed, or 

presumptive case of COVID-19 is advised to isolate pursuant to CDC 

guidelines. As a general rule, asymptomatic, non-immunized personnel 

with potential exposure to COVID-19 should not return to the workplace 

until they have a confirmed negative COVID-19 test per Force Health 

Protection Guidance (Supplement 15) Revision 1 or follow the appropriate 

self-quarantine period (e.g., 14 days starting on the last day on which 

close contact occurred). Personnel performing duties outside the United 

States follow applicable geographic COCOM guidance as to whether and 

how to address host nation policies. Supervisors of DoD civilian employees 

should also consult with J1 to determine the appropriate leave status for 

the employee.

In cases of mission-essential activities that must be conducted on site, as 
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

12

determined by those with the authority to provide exceptions as indicated 

below, non-immunized asymptomatic personnel who otherwise would be 

self-quarantining may be granted an exception to continue to work on site 

provided they remain asymptomatic, do not have a positive test for 

COVID-19, and comply with the following key practices for 14 days after 

the last exposure: obtain a COVID-19 test following CDC's testing 

guidelines:

a) Conduct daily pre-screening with self-temperature checks; 

b) Self-monitor with supervision by a commander or supervisor; 

c) Wear a face mask, practice hand and cough hygiene; 

d) Do not share headsets or other objects used near the face; continue 

to social distance as much as possible; and 

e) Clean and disinfect their workspaces daily. 

This exception may be granted by the first general/flag officer or member 

of the Senior Executive Service (SES), or equivalent, in the chain of 

command/chain of supervision and, for those locations that do not have 

general/flag officers or SES leaders, by O-6 installation commanders. If the 

individual becomes symptomatic during the duty period, he/she will be 

sent home immediately. 

Personnel who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months 

and who have recovered and fully vaccinated personnel are not required to 

remain out of the workplace even if they have been in close contact with 

someone who has a laboratory confirmed, clinically diagnosed, or 

presumptive case of COVID-19 and remain asymptomatic in accordance 

with CDC guidance.

In States and localities that require members of the general public to stay 

at home, DoD Service members and civilian employees may report to work 

as directed to do so by a commander or supervisor.
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

13

I. Confidentiality and Privacy

Due to the public health emergency, the collection of COVID-19 

information from individuals whose place of duty is in the DLA workplace, 

to the extent such collection is necessary, via DD Form 3112, "Personnel 

Accountability and Assessment Notification for Coronavirus Disease 2019 

(COVID-19) Exposure," is authorized.

All information collected from DLA employees, contractors, and visitors to

DLA facilities in connection with this plan, including but not limited to names 

and contact information, COVID-19 screening information, test results, any 

information obtained as a result of testing and symptom monitoring, and 

any other personal and/or medical information, is treated confidentially and 

in accordance with applicable law and government-wide policy. Within DLA, 

this information is accessible by and disclosed to only those who have a 

need to know the information in order to carry out the requirements of this

plan. In addition, this information is disclosed outside of DLA, for example to

other federal agencies and local public health officials, only as permitted by 

applicable law and policy and only to those individuals and entities with a 

need to know in order to protect health and safety.
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

14

V. Workplace Operations

A. Occupancy

Given the extensive DoD portfolio of operational locations and environments, the 

ability to categorize each location according to local pandemic related conditions is 

essential. The DoD accomplishes this by utilizing the health protection condition 

(HPCON) framework. The HPCON framework establishes an HPCON level for each 

location based on the instruction provided in the DoD memo, Guidance for 

Commanders’ Risk-Based Responses and Implementation of the Health Protection 

Condition Framework During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic, dated April, 

29, 2021.

The authority to determine HPCON levels is delegated to the DLA Director and for 

sites where DLA is the host, the authority is hereby further delegated to the 

Installation Commander/Director. Those with HPCON implementation authority 

must notify the DLA Director and Vice Director prior to implementing HPCON level 

changes via Situation Reports (SITREP)/Commander’s Critical Information 

Requirements (CCIR) and weekly COVID-19 updates. They must also coordinate 

changes in HPCON levels with other military installations in the same local 

commuting area (e.g., approximately 30 miles) to the greatest extent practicable 

to facilitate consistency in response and unity of messaging. SAR/SAOs serving as 

tenants without HPCON authority should coordinate with the local installation 

commander. 

The updated HPCON framework (Appendix 1) implemented across the Department 

in response to COVID-19 was expanded to include the HPCON Bravo-Plus (B+) 

level. HPCON 0 is the base level for the HPCON framework and represents a return 

to new operations. Several fundamental protective actions are common to most 

levels, while more robust protective actions are implemented as the HPCON level 

rises from A through D. Actions for each HPCON level are included in Appendix 1. 

The updated framework is based on a daily average of reported cases over the 

prior 7 days, and incorporates whether cases are increasing, steady, or declining 

over time. Case-rate thresholds should not be considered the exclusive factor for 

determining HPCON levels. These case-rate thresholds, along with criteria outlined 
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

15

in Appendix 1, are provided to help the HPCON implementation authority determine 

and change HPCON levels and set the workplace occupancy limits based on the 

total population assigned.

Particular attention should be focused on the average number of new cases per 

day, as well as trend data that indicate the long-term direction of the pandemic in 

the local installation community and on the installation. 

Local community transmission levels also may be established by consulting the 

CDC’s COVID-19 Data Tracker County View (https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-datatracker/#county-view) and converting the data to daily averages. Installations 

outside the United States should consult country-level data for their host nations if 

local community level data is unavailable (https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-datatracker/#global- counts-rates). Other sources of data include academic 

institutions and the World Health Organization if host nation data is inaccessible.

Trend analysis should consider recent data as well as longer-term data to 

determine the trajectory of the pandemic over the course of several weeks or 

months. HPCON level gating criteria to consider include:

a) Cases: Daily average of new cases per 100,000 people per day in the last 7 

days in a 50-mile radius

b) Cases: Sustained two-week (14 days) downward trajectory of documented 

COVID-19 cases in the local community (50-mile radius); likewise, upward 

trajectories should be considered in determining whether to increase HPCON 

levels.

c) Tests: Downward trajectory in positive tests as a percentage of total tests 

over the preceding 7-day period supports a decision to reduce HPCON levels 

to the next lower level; likewise, upward trajectories should be considered in 

determining whether to increase HPCON levels.

d) Medical Facilities: Medical Treatment Facilities (MTF) or local hospitals 

have the capacity to treat all patients without situational standards of care. 

Information on local DoD and civilian hospitals, including occupancy rates, is 
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

16

available on the Advana COVID-19 Dashboard and indicators of hospital 

capacity are available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-

ncov/community/schools-childcare/indicators.html, or official state or county 

websites.

 Table 1 – HPCON Level Alignment with Rescinded Reconstitution Phases

Community Conditions HPCON Level Reconstitution Phase

Widespread community 

transmission

daily average > 60*

HPCON D

(< 15% occupancy)

Phase 0

Sustained community 

transmission

daily average 31 – 60*

HPCON C

(< 25% occupancy)

Phase 1

Elevated community 

transmission

daily average 16-31*

HPCON B+

(< 40% occupancy)

Phase 2

Increased community 

transmission

daily average 2-15*

HPCON B

(< 50% occupancy)

Phase 2

Minimal community 

transmission

daily average < 2*

HPCON A

(< 100% occupancy)

Phase 2-3

HPCON 0 Return to normal ops

* New cases per 100K in last 7 days
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

17

Employees must be returned incrementally. Therefore, once an HPCON level is 

declared for a location, the location may not exceed more than a 10% occupancy 

increase per two-week period up to the maximum percentage for that HPCON 

level. If a location reverts in HPCON levels, the location returns to the maximum 

occupancy percentage for the lower HPCON level and incrementally (10% per twoweek period) returns to the occupancy percentage level of the higher HPCON level 

after the location returns to higher HPCON level.

Workplace occupancy limits are determined based on the location total assigned 

personnel. The DLA Director has the authority to grant exemptions for workplace 

occupancy limits that are required for national security and the success of critical 

missions. The DLA Director delegates this workplace occupancy limit authority to 

the location SAO or SAR (must be general/flag officer, SES member, or equivalent) 

as advised by the DLA CCT. Occupancy exceptions must be submitted by the SAO 

or SAR to their servicing J1 CAM. The J1 CAM reviews and provides to the DLA CCT 

to ensure exception requirements are met. SAOs/SARs serving as tenants should 

coordinate with the local installation commander on all exemption requests.

When considering a workplace occupancy limit exemption, those with 

exemption authority must take into account the ability to maintain distance 

between personnel and other public health and workplace safety measures 

contained in the most current, applicable DoD Force Health Protection (FHP)

guidance. Use DD Form 2977 to help determine whether an adequate 

supply of protective measures is available to sustain the number of 

employees returning to the workplace.

A record of all workplace occupancy limit exemptions must be retained by the 

exemption authority and provided for awareness to the local safety office and to 

the installation commander, if different from the exemption authority. FHP 

measures and other appropriate mitigation measures should be used rigorously in 

all areas, and especially in areas for which an occupancy exemption has been 

granted.

The SAO and SAR should incorporate strategies to stagger DLA employees’

work times to reduce density, minimize traffic volume in elevators, and 
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

18

avoid crowds during commuting. Staging and staggering work arrangements 

include establishing alternating days or extra shifts that reduce the total 

number of employees in a facility at a given time, allowing them to maintain 

distance from one another and limit risk of exposure. Ensure staging and 

staggering work arrangements are included as control measures in the 

workplace operations DD Form 2977 and that this information is briefed 

prior to employees entering the workplace.

a) Staging Method – supervisors are required to bring the workforce back 

incrementally and gradually, focusing on the health of the workforce 

while maintaining a close eye on virus cases within the local area.

b) Staggered Schedule – supervisors are required to use staggered 

schedule arrangement to accomplish how the work gets accomplished. 

As an example, some employees will work an alternate schedule with 

2 days at the worksite and 3 days of telework and the following week 

may work 3 days at the worksite and 2 days of telework. Another 

staggered schedule may be 4 days of telework, 1 day at the worksite. 

Supervisors may create cohorts or teams within an office and place 

the cohort or team on alternating schedules of 5 days in the office and 

15 days of telework per month.

B. Employee Cohorts

Return employees to work in a fair and non-discriminatory manner using 

cohorts or teams with staging and staggering work arrangements. 

Adoption of alternative arrangements such as rotating cohorts may 

enable additional flexibility for employees to resume full operations, 

regardless of phasing status, while maintaining social distancing and 

reducing contact among work units. Key factors for establishing cohorts 

include mission requirements, the requirement to minimize risk for those 

who identify as being in the high-risk population, and the impact on 

members of the workforce who require certain enablers such as 

dependent care. Additionally, cohorts must take into consideration the 

physical distancing requirements necessary for the space for which 
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

19

employees are returned.

Note: Any changes to the previously bargained local reconstitution plan must be 

bargained prior to implementation of the DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan. The local 

servicing Labor and Employee Relations (LER) Specialists can assist with the 

labor-management obligations required to implement the DLA COVID-19 Safety 

Plan. 

a) HPCON C Cohort Example

i. Increase employees by 10% per two-week period to less than

25% (generally employees assigned to Phase 1 of the 

rescinded DLA Reconstitution Guidance) of workforce onsite 

and 75% teleworking using staging and staggered work 

arrangements.

ii. Mission Essential – employees who are designated as mission 

essential and teleworking may begin reporting to the duty 

location using staging and staggered work arrangements. 

iii. Non-Telework-Ready – employees not eligible for telework or 

eligible but not on a telework agreement (generally those on 

weather and safety leave who are not high-risk) may begin 

reporting to the duty location using staging and staggered 

work arrangements.

iv. Classified Functions – employees in positions that require 

accessing classified materials may begin reporting to the duty 

location using staging and staggered work arrangements.

b) HPCON B+ Cohort Example

i. Increase employees by 10% per two-week period at the 

worksite to less than 40% (generally all employees assigned 

to Phase 1 and a portion of Phase 2 employees in the 

rescinded DLA Reconstitution guidance) using staging or 
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

20

staggered work arrangements, with the remaining 60% 

teleworking.

ii. Not High-Risk Employees – those who do not self-identify as 

high-risk may be allowed to return to work using staging and 

staggered work arrangements.

c) HPCON B Cohort Example

i. Increase employees by 10% per two-week period at the 

worksite to less than 50% (generally all employees assigned 

to Phase 1 and a portion of Phase 2 employees in the 

rescinded DLA Reconstitution guidance) using staging or 

staggered work arrangements, with the remaining 50% 

teleworking.

ii. High-Risk Employees – those who self-identify as being highrisk for COVID-19 may continue to telework or remain on 

weather and safety leave until HPCON A.

iii. Employees Caring for Family Members with Serious Health 

Conditions – those who live with or care for a family member 

who is high-risk or with a serious health condition may 

continue to telework or take sick leave, American Rescue Plan 

Act (ARPA) emergency paid leave, leave without pay (LWOP), 

etc., as appropriate until HPCON A. 

iv. Employees Without Childcare – employees who need to care 

for their child because schools are closed or they do not have 

childcare may continue to telework, use work schedule 

flexibilities, or take ARPA emergency paid leave, annual 

leave, LWOP, etc. as appropriate until HPCON A. 

d) HPCON A Cohort Example

v. Increase employees by 10% per two-week period at the 
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

21

worksite to less than 100% (generally employees assigned to 

Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 in the rescinded DLA 

Reconstitution guidance) using staging or staggered work 

arrangements.

vi. High-Risk Employees – those who self-identify as being highrisk for COVID-19 may return to the worksite.

vii. Employees Caring for Family Members with Serious Health 

Conditions – those who live with or care for a family member 

who is high-risk or with a serious health condition may return 

to the worksite.

viii. Employees Without Childcare – employees who need to care 

for their child because schools are closed, or they do not 

have childcare, may return to the worksite.

C. Physical Distancing

To the extent practicable, all DLA employees, contractors, and visitors are 

required to maintain distance of at least 6 feet from others at all times,

consistent with CDC guidelines, including in offices, conference rooms, and

all other shared workspaces. DLA maintains adequate COVID-19 related 

visible signage at DLA facilities and will continue to refresh signs and

distribute them as necessary. When documenting workplace operations in 

DD Form 2977, document appropriate control measures (e.g., physical 

distancing and barriers) for the workplace (e.g., customer service desks, 

etc.). Brief employees using the completed DD Form 2977 prior to 

employees entering the workplace. 

Note: Social distancing, testing, and vaccines are not substitutes for

wearing face masks; individuals must both maintain distance and properly

wear face masks. Additionally, individuals should refrain from physical 

greetings (i.e., touching, handshakes, hugging, etc.) as such behaviors pose 

potential health risks and may be unwanted or construed as threatening.
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

22

D. Environmental Cleaning

Installation Management will continue to conduct cleaning in common

use/high touch/high-density spaces, such as lobbies, restrooms, elevators,

and stairwells in accordance with CDC guidance. Office space that is in 

regular use is serviced regularly, and also in accordance with CDC 

guidelines. Supervisors ensure wipes, gloves, and other EPA-approved 

sanitizer and disinfectants are available at locations where employees share 

equipment.

In the event of a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in the workplace, 

cleaning is performed in accordance with CDC guidance. If more than 3 

days have passed since the person who is sick or diagnosed with COVID-19 

has been in the space, no additional cleaning, beyond regular cleaning 

practices, is needed.

If such enhanced cleaning is required, Installation Management cleans and 

disinfects the area within 48 hours and SOH notifies employees and building 

occupants of a possible COVID-19 exposure. The notice also informs

employees and building occupants that Installation Management has 

assessed the situation and taken the necessary steps to have the

appropriate areas cleaned. Personnel and visitors may be asked to vacate 

the affected space until cleaning and disinfection are completed. Installation 

Management determines the appropriate scope of workplace closures, which 

may range from a suite, office, part of a floor, segment of a building, or an

entire building.

Note: Supervisors should include cleaning and disinfecting hazards and 

control measures in their operational DD Form 2977 if DLA employees are 

performing cleaning and disinfecting tasks. Ensure ammonia and bleach 

products are not mixed when cleaning and disinfecting the workplace.

E. Hygiene Sanitization

All cleaning and disinfectants are EPA-approved, and hand sanitizer stations 

and disinfectant wipes are available at DLA facilities and near equipment 
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

23

that is shared by employees. DLA has procured FDA-approved hand

sanitizer, with at least 60% ethanol, at hand sanitizer stations. Personnel 

are encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds

and use hand sanitizer only when soap and water are not available.

DLA continues to refresh and distribute hygiene etiquette signage

throughout its facilities to encourage employees to use healthy hygiene

practices, such as covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands correctly,

and keeping hands clean, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

For any worksites for which DLA does not manage the facility, the DLA

senior official coordinates cleaning and sanitization with the host facility’s

management staff. 

F. Ventilation and Air Filtration

Based on what is currently known, COVID-19 is spread primarily from person-toperson via close contact (within 6 feet) and there is no need to shut down heating, 

ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and air handling systems. Ensure existing 

HVAC systems in buildings are functioning properly and the amount of outside air 

supplied to the HVAC system is maximized to the extent appropriate and 

compatible with the HVAC systems' capabilities. In addition to the requirements for 

existing HVAC systems, building managers should consider other measures to

improve ventilation in accordance with CDC guidance.

G.Visitors

Every effort should be taken to limit visitors to DLA facilities, including

conducting virtual visits when possible. Supervisors must include hazards 

and control measures in the operations DD Form 2977 when processes 

involve employee interactions with visitors.

Visitors, like employees and contractors, are required to wear face masks 

and follow social distancing protocols. Visitors must adhere to the screening 

signage posted visibly at all entrances of DLA facilities, which directs visitors 

to conduct self-assessments by responding to questions and assess whether 
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

24

to enter the DLA facility based on those questions and outlines next steps 

they should take if they answer “yes” to any of the questions. Face mask

requirements also apply to any visitors entering DLA space.

H. Elevators

Face masks must be worn in the elevators. Individuals are encouraged to

use the stairs if they are physically able to do so. Installation Management 

assesses elevators to determine safe occupancy and post-occupancy

restrictions outside of each elevator.

Signage is posted inside elevators and at elevator banks to inform

employees and building occupants of the maximum occupancy limitation. 

For employees working onsite in facilities that DLA does not manage, 

employees are asked to follow the elevator guidance posted by the

building’s management.

I. Shared Spaces

Shared spaces within non-DLA managed worksites:

DLA strives to provide its employees in non-DLA managed facilities with the 

same level of safety protocols, signage, and supplies available to those in

DLA-managed facilities. At non-DLA managed facilities, leadership ensures

signage is posted within the DLA workspace, supervisors and employees 

follow safety protocols within their floor, suite, or area, and cleaning 

supplies are available. DLA provides masks to all facilities within budgetary 

limitations.

Shared spaces within DLA-managed worksites:

At DLA-managed facilities with shared spaces, signage is displayed at the 

entrances as well as throughout workspaces, and the mask requirement and 

physical distancing are observed. Additionally, elevator occupancy

information is posted. The frequency of cleaning services of high touch 

surface areas as well as the regular cleaning will continue at these facilities

in accordance with CDC guidance. Individual workspaces are cleaned and 
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

25

maintained by the user.

The following practices are followed at DLA-hosted facilities:

a. Installation Management ensures cleaning services in common high 

touch/high-density spaces, such as lobbies, restrooms, elevators, 

and stairwells in accordance with CDC guidance. Spaces that are in 

regular use are serviced in accordance with CDC guidelines.

b. Installation Management maintains disinfectant wipes, hand 

sanitizer, hand sanitizer dispensers, gloves, masks, and other EPAapproved sanitizer for high traffic common areas to include 

bathrooms, hallways, break rooms, main entrances and customer 

facing activities. Cleaning supplies are monitored to ensure 

adequate supplies are stocked (i.e., hand soap, sanitizer, and other 

restroom supplies). Installation Management ensures cleaning 

signage is posted.

c. Conference spaces, water fountains, kitchenettes, refrigerators, and

furniture are also cleaned and disinfected.

d. DLA posts cleaning-related signage in shared spaces to remind

personnel to clean items after use.
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

26

VII. Conclusion

DLA is committed to protecting the DLA workforce from the effects of the 

COVID-19 pandemic, while preserving the Agency’s ability to complete its

mission.
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

27

APPENDIX 1

DoD Force Health Protection Actions by HPCON Level1,2 for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Severe

HPCON D

Widespread community transmission

A daily average of more than 60 new cases per 

100,000 population in the last 7 days (>421 

cumulative new cases per 100,000 population in 

the last 7 days) AND no decline in cases or a 

decline in new cases of less than 7 days. 

OR 

A daily average of more than 100 new cases per 

100,000 regardless of increase or decline from the 

previous week.

Utilize measures from HPCON A, B, B+. and C with the following modifications:

a. Less than 15 percent of normal occupancy in the workplace.

b. Strongly consider declaring a local Public Health Emergency.

c. Consider limiting visitor access to the installation.

d. Distribute personal protective equipment as appropriate.

e. Cancel non-mission-essential activities. 

Substantial

HPCON C

Sustained community transmission

A daily average of 31-60 new cases per 100,000 

population in the last 7 days (211-420 cumulative 

new cases per 100,000 population in the last 7 

days).

Utilize measures from HPCON A, B, and B+ with the following modifications:

a. Less than 25 percent of normal occupancy in the workplace.

b. Consider declaring a local Public Health Emergency.

c. Consider limiting visitor access to the installation.

d. Limit social gatherings of 10 or more people.

e. MTFs may limit elective surgeries in accordance with guidance from the Defense Health 

Agency and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. 

f. Re-scope, modify, or potentially cancel exercises.

g. Schools operated by the DoD Education Activity (DoDEA) will operate remotely.

Moderate +

HPCON B+

Elevated community transmission

A daily average of 16-30 new cases per 100,000 

population in the last 7 days3 (110 - 210 

cumulative new cases per 100,000 population in 

the last 7 days).

Utilize measures from HPCON A and B with the following modifications:

a. Less than 40 percent of normal occupancy in the workplace.

b. Be prepared to limit access to installations by visitors and cancel events/exercises. 

c. Military commanders may restrict off-duty military personnel from off-installation venues 

(e.g., bars, restaurants, concert halls).

d. Indoor common areas and large venues may be closed. Dining establishments may be 

limited to takeout service and outdoor service. Venues identified as mission-critical, such 

as commissaries, may be limited in their operational hours and occupancy. 

e. Gyms may be closed at this level or operate at diminished occupancy.

1 Consider transmission rates, disease trajectory, and medical facility capabilities/capacities in changing HPCON levels. Case-rate thresholds should not be the sole determining 

factor for an installation’s HPCON level but instead should serve as guidelines to be integrated into a comprehensive review process. 2 MILDEPs may delegate HPCON level determination to a level no lower than the military installation commander.

3 CDC high transmission is ≥100 new cases per 100,000 population in the last 7 days (a daily average of >14.3 new cases per 100,000 population in the last 7 days).
DLA COVID-19 Safety Plan

28

Moderate

HPCON B

Increased community transmission

A daily average of 2-15 new cases per 100,000 

population in the last 7 days (14-109 cumulative 

new cases per 100,000 population in last 7 days).

Utilize measures from HPCON A with the following modifications:

a. Less than 50 percent of normal occupancy in the workplace. 

b. Medically vulnerable individuals should shelter-in-place and be permitted to telework as 

much as possible to minimize exposures. Personnel who reside with medically vulnerable 

persons should be permitted to telework if possible and should take precautions to limit 

their exposures as well. 

c. Re-scope or modify exercises in affected areas to limit risk to DoD personnel.

d. Installations may limit occupancy of common areas where personnel are likely to 

congregate and interact by marking approved sitting areas or removing furniture to 

maintain physical distancing. If modification is not feasible, such areas may be closed.

Limited

HPCON A

Minimal community transmission

A daily average of fewer than 2 new cases per 

100,000 population in the last 7 days (<14 

cumulative new cases per 100,000 population in 

last 7 days).

a. Less than 100 percent of normal occupancy in the workplace. When determining a 

command’s specific occupancy, local commanders should consider facility/workspace, 

including whether it permits social distancing, and the most current DoD and CDC 

guidance.

b. Utilize telework, flexible scheduling, and alternate work locations to meet occupancy 

standards where possible. Medically vulnerable individuals (e.g., persons who are elderly, 

have underlying health conditions, have respiratory disease, are immunocompromised) 

and mission-critical personnel awaiting deployment/travel to the local commuting area for 

employment may be prioritized for telework status.

c. Emphasize personal hygiene measures, such as washing hands frequently and for at least 

20 seconds with soap and water; using hand sanitizer; avoiding touching eyes, nose, and 

mouth; staying home when ill and avoiding contact with others; covering coughs and 

sneezes; avoiding sick persons; and ensuring that immunizations are up to date.

d. Require physical distancing (>6 feet) and wearing masks in accordance with DoD 

guidance, and minimize in-person social gathering and time spent in crowded 

environments.

e. Communicate to personnel how and when to report illness and seek care for potential 

influenza-like illness. 

f. Common areas and large venues (e.g., sit-down dining, movie theaters, sporting venues, 

and commissaries) may operate if they adhere to physical distancing guidelines, 

sanitation protocols, masking requirements, and any occupancy requirements.

g. Outdoor recreation areas (including parks and picnic areas, beaches, campgrounds, 

marinas, golf courses, and other outdoor facilities) may operate if they adhere to physical 

distancing guidelines, sanitation protocols, masking requirements, and any occupancy 

requirements in shared spaces.

h. Gyms may operate if they adhere to physical distancing guidelines, sanitation protocols, 

masking requirements, and any occupancy requirements.

i. Approve leave and travel to this area in accordance with the current DoD FHP guidance. 

j. Schools operated by the DoDEA may operate in accordance with guidance from the 

Director, DoDEA. 

k. Child development programs may operate in accordance with the current DoD guidance on 

modified physical distancing, sanitation protocols, masking requirements, and any other 

guidance from installations appropriate to these settings.

HPCON 0 Return to normal operations